REFLECTOR: Lower winglets

[KeithHallsten]

I posted this a month ago, but it incited no comments.  Anyone care to share
an opinion?
Keith


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "KeithHallsten" <KeithHallsten at quiknet.com>
To: <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2004 4:13 PM
Subject: REFLECTOR: Lower winglets


I was preparing to install my lower winglets yesterday, and was thinking
about installing them "backwards", so they push the air inboard on the
bottom of the wingtip, rather than outboard.  This would be accomplished by
installing the left lower winglet under the right wingtip, and vice-versa.
Although this theoretically has the potential to (very slightly) reduce the
induced drag, it would not look as good, since the lower and upper winglets
would not line up with each other, and the lower winglet would not fair in
below the rudder.  On the other hand, the trailing edge of the lower winglet
would be inboard of the rudder, so it could be fitted tightly to the wing
without interfering with the motion of the rudder.  Has anyone done this?

I suspect that the lower winglets may be so short as to have only a tiny
effect due to their "airfoil" shape.  Thus, it may not make any measurable
difference.  However, I'm one of those oddball "form follows function" guys
who would rather have a plane that looks a little wierd than accept less
than "optimal" design.

You may fire when ready!

Keith Hallsten


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